The Stranger

(EATS) Where have you been all my life, El Gallito? Right around the damn corner, it turns out, but it took until last week for me to help myself to your plentiful delights. Top of the list: huge plates of good, gooey, and very reasonably priced Mexican food—guacamole enchiladas, a highly praised mole, generous margaritas—dished up in a clean, well-lighted, and friendly place. Screw Pike/Pine: Between El Gallito and the Twilight Exit, the Madison corridor is where it's at. (El Gallito, 1700 20th Ave, 329-8088.) DAVID SCHMADER

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(DRUNK AUTHORS) Three authors walk into a bar. One is funny-making, baby-raising, sex-having Neal Pollack (The Neal Pollack Anthology of American Literature, etc.). One is Jonathan Ames (whose testicle is showing on the cover of his new book, reviewed on page 47). One is writer and comedian Lynn Harris (Miss Media). They will drink. You will drink. Sex is the topic. Plus: music! (Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave, 888-621-2230 or www.nextbook.org for tickets. 7:30 pm, $6–$8, 21+.) CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE

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(ART) The actual Artist Trust Art Auction (on Sunday) is a great way to raise money for a good cause, but it's 120 bucks a pop. Art fans of more modest means will attend the pre-party at Consolidated Works instead, for a sneak preview of the 200 works in the auction, plus music, dance, and a literary lounge, including doubles trapeze by Curly Burly, aerial dance by the Cabiri, and fashion performance by Hipposchemes. (Consolidated Works, 500 Boren Ave N, 467-8734 ext 16. 7–10 pm, $15.) JEN GRAVES

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(LEARNIN') Harry Smith is best known for the mind-bogglingly extensive and annotated compilation Anthology of American Folk Music (close to my heart because it contains the best song ever recorded: "I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground"). Apparently, he also grew up in Bellingham, made direct-animation movies, and collected paper airplanes. Who knew? Soak up Harry Smith arcana at the lecture "Revisiting the Anthology of American Folk Music" at 5:30 p.m. (Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 800-838-3006. $3 for the lecture, $30 for a full series pass.) ANNIE WAGNER

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(MUSIC) Over the last few years, DFA Records' spunky, arty roster has loosened many a hipster's white-belted hips. Hilarious misanthrope the Juan Maclean knows how to rock a dance floor (and provoke chuckles) with his hypnotic, robo-disco productions. Tim Sweeney hosts the extraordinary Beats in Space internet radio show and keeps abreast of the most interesting new dance-music developments. You'll be in expert hands. Wear something comfortable yet alluring. (The Crocodile Cafe, 200 Second Ave, 10 pm, $6–$12, all ages.) DAVE SEGAL

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(MUSIQUE) A self-described "loose affiliation of musicians playing originals and covers of French music," the French Project offers up a pre-Valentine's Day show to make you swoon. Top of the Frenchy heap: Erin Jorgensen, Seattle's premier punk-rock marimba player, who'll perform tunes by Johnny Cash, Serge Gainsbourg, the Ramones, and Thin Lizzy, all played on the marimba, all sung in French. Plus, music from actual French folks Naim Amor and Marianne Dissard. (Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave NW, 784-4880. 9 pm, $7, 21+.) DAVID SCHMADER

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(ROMANTIC MAYHEM) The feel-good smash of the season returns. Bring mementos of love gone wrong, and The Stranger's love and vengeance expert Dan Savage will flamboyantly destroy them for you before a drunk and howling crowd. Past years have seen blenders, blowtorches, and sledgehammers; this year adds the soulful spinning of DJ Colby B. Prepare yourself for an extravaganza of purging hilarity. (Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison St, 324-8000. 8 pm, $5, 21+.) DAVID SCHMADER

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